One day our dog became suddenly ill. We did not know what was wrong with her and we brought her to our veterinarian. We were told her liver was shutting down and they couldn’t figure out why. She was in the hospital for multiple days, and even suffered a stroke during this time. To everyone’s surprise, our dog made it through. As she was healing at home, we noticed something on her back. We brought her to the veterinarian where we discovered she had developed a skin ulcer. Our veterinarian explained it was probably a result of the stress of the illness she had. We spent weeks caring for that ulcer, cleaning it, putting medication on it, and covering it in gauze, until it finally healed.
This post will look at skin ulcers in dogs, what they are, causes and risk factors, symptoms of skin ulcers, how they are diagnosed, and treatment options available.
Table of Contents:
Related: Dog Skin Cancer: Signs, Prevention, And Treatment Options
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Are Skin Ulcers In Dogs?
Skin ulcers in dogs are open sores that can appear anywhere on the body. It is a deep, open wound that goes through the layers of a dog’s skin. They often cause discomfort and may lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.
What Are The Types Of Skin Ulcers In Dogs?
There are different types of skin ulcers in dogs. Some common ones include:
Pressure ulcers: These form when a dog lies in one position for too long.
Diabetic ulcers: Linked to poor blood flow in dogs with diabetes.
Traumatic ulcers: Caused by injuries or accidents.
Skin ulcers can vary in size and depth. They may look like red, raw areas or have a crusty surface.
Some ulcers can be small and shallow, while others might be large and deep.
What Are The Causes And Risk Factors For Skin Ulcers In Dogs?
Many things can cause skin ulcers in dogs. Some common causes are:
- Infections (bacterial, fungal, or parasitic).
- Trauma or injuries.
- Poor blood flow.
- Certain diseases like cancer or immune disorders.
Dogs at higher risk for skin ulcers include:
- Older dogs.
- Dogs with health problems like diabetes or thyroid issues.
- Overweight dogs.
- Dogs with thick coats that hide skin problems.
To lower the risk, keep your dog at a healthy weight and check their skin often.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Skin Ulcers In Dogs?
Signs of skin ulcers in dogs include:
- Open sores on the skin.
- Redness and swelling around the sore.
- Hair loss in the affected area.
- Oozing or draining from the wound.
- Bad smell from the ulcer.
- Your dog licking or chewing at the spot.
How Is A Skin Ulcer In Dogs Diagnosed?
If you see any of the above signs, take your dog to the veterinarian. They will examine the ulcer and may do tests to find the cause. These tests may include:
- Skin scrapes.
- Blood tests.
- Biopsies.
Early diagnosis helps treat skin ulcers faster and prevents them from getting worse.
What Treatment Options Are Available For Skin Ulcers In Dogs?
Treating skin ulcers in dogs requires a multi-faceted approach. The right mix of veterinary care, medications, and proper wound management is key to helping your dog heal.
Veterinary Care And Medications
Your veterinarian will examine the ulcer and may run tests to find the cause. They might prescribe antibiotics if there’s an infection. If your dog is itchy, they may suggest Apoquel or Cytopoint to stop scratching.
For fungal infections, antifungal drugs are needed. In some cases, steroids help reduce inflammation. Pain medication can keep your dog comfortable during healing.
Your veterinarian may also clean the wound and remove dead tissue. This helps speed up recovery. Follow-up visits are important to check progress and adjust treatment if needed.
Wound Management And Dressings
Proper wound care at home is important. Clean the ulcer daily with a vet-approved solution. Pat it dry gently with a clean cloth.
Apply any prescribed ointments or creams as directed. These help fight infection and promote healing.
Use a cone collar to stop your dog from licking or biting the wound.
For deep or large ulcers, your veterinarian may suggest special dressings. These keep the area moist and protect it from dirt. Change dressings as often as your veterinarian advises.
Keep your dog’s bedding clean and dry. This helps prevent new infections. Watch for signs of healing or worsening, and report changes to your veterinarian right away.
Prevention And Management
Taking steps to prevent skin ulcers in dogs can save your pup from pain and discomfort. Good care habits and regular attention to your dog’s health play key roles in avoiding these issues.
Diet And Nutrition
A balanced diet helps keep your dog’s skin healthy. Feed your dog high-quality food rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support skin health and can reduce inflammation.
Add fish oil or flaxseed oil to your dog’s meals. This can boost skin moisture and strength. Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water too. Good hydration keeps skin supple and less prone to damage.
Regular Check-Ups With Your Veterinarian
Schedule yearly check-ups with your veterinarian. They can spot early signs of skin problems before they turn into ulcers.
Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date. Some infections that cause skin ulcers can be prevented with vaccines.
Groom your dog often. This lets you check for any skin changes or wounds. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian right away.
Environmental Factors And Adjustments
Keep your dog’s living area clean and dry. Damp or dirty conditions can lead to skin problems.
Use soft bedding to prevent pressure sores in older or less mobile dogs. Move the bed often to change pressure points.
Protect your dog from extreme temperatures. Both hot and cold weather can stress the skin. Use dog boots on rough terrain to prevent foot injuries.
Monitoring Progress and Follow-Up Visits
Watch the ulcer daily for signs of healing or problems. Look for less redness, swelling, and drainage. The skin should start to close up. If you see more swelling, redness, or pus, call your veterinarian.
Take photos of the ulcer every few days. This helps track progress. Keep a log of any changes you notice.
Go to all follow-up veterinary visits. Your veterinarian will check how the ulcer is healing. They may do tests to make sure the treatment is working. Be ready to discuss any concerns or changes you’ve seen at home.
Ask your veterinarian when it’s safe for your dog to resume normal activities. Follow their advice to prevent the ulcer from coming back.
It was heartbreaking to watch our dog go through what she went through. It was also difficult to see her suffer more after she had recovered from her original illness. We followed everything our veterinarian told us to do to keep the skin ulcer clean and help it heal. With time, it did heal and our dog was fine.
Skin ulcers in dogs can be very serious if not taken care of properly. Speak to your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog’s skin and follow their advice to help any ulcers heal.
For more information on skin ulcers in dogs, please see PetMD.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.